KUCHING: Sarawak is reaffirming its position as a leader in Southeast Asia’s digital revolution, proving that innovation and sustainability can advance hand in hand.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said Sarawak’s journey in the digital and green economy is now a shared responsibility.
“We owe it to our children to seize the opportunities of digital technology while protecting the rich natural heritage we’ve been blessed with.
“I am proud to say Sarawak is doing exactly that. We want to go far, and we know we must go together.
“We will embrace the future by innovating without losing our soul, by digitising while going green, and by prospering without leaving anyone behind,” he said in his speech during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2025 Gala Dinner held here on Wednesday (Oct 22), officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Now in its eighth year, Julaihi said IDECS has evolved from a modest conference into a global platform for innovation, thanks to the foresight of the Premier of Sarawak.
This year’s theme, ‘AI and Green Evolution: Growth, Challenges and Community Resilience’, reflects the state’s belief that “digital innovation and sustainability are two sides of the same coin”.
He highlighted how Day 1 of IDECS25 had already demonstrated the potential of global collaboration, with participation from delegates across Malaysia and beyond.
“Our vision has become a shared conversation, and that is something truly worth celebrating,” he said.
The gala also featured the presentation of the Sarawak Digital Economy Awards 2025, which recognised the achievements of Sarawakians across seven categories of digital excellence.
Each winner received a cash prize of RM10,000 along with a trophy and certificate.
This included the Premier’s Digital Economy Award — an exclusive recognition for outstanding achievement — with the recipient set to represent Sarawak at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, from March 2 to 5, 2026, with all expenses fully covered.
